Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:30
Learning Modern Laryngeal Surgery in a Dissection Laboratory
Published on: March 18, 2020
Difficult laryngoscopy--the "anterior" larynx and the atlanto-occipital gap
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|February 1, 1983
Abstract:
The atlanto-occipital distance is the major factor which limits extension of the head on the neck. It varies widely in the population at large. When the posterior tubercle of the atlas is already in contact with the occiput in the neutral position, attempts to extend the head result in anterior bowing of the cervical spine, and forward displacement of the larynx. This may be a cause of difficult laryngoscopy.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...